Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced that Birmingham Airport will receive a Government grant of up to £8 million, helping to protect jobs and the local economy.
The funding will be equivalent to the Business Rates that the airport would otherwise have to pay – meaning that Birmingham Airport will pay nothing in Business Rates in 2020-21.
The funding, which will also be used to support ground handlers, comes as the Transport Secretary announced plans to reduce the time needed in self-isolation after travelling abroad. From 15 December, passengers returning from overseas will be given the option of having a coronavirus test after five days in isolation, with a negative test releasing them from the need to isolate for any longer.
Combined, the new funding and quarantine measures will give a much-needed boost to the aviation sector, which has faced a challenging year after passenger numbers severely declined during the coronavirus pandemic.
Airports, airlines and other aviation businesses have also been able to draw on the Government’s unprecedented support, including the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Business Interruption Loans. In total, the aviation and aerospace sectors have received over £9 billion in support.
Commenting, Julian Knight said:
“I am thrilled that Birmingham Airport will receive up to £8 million to help it protect jobs during these challenging times.
“Along with the Government’s new testing strategy, I hope that this funding marks a real turning point for Birmingham Airport – which supports so many jobs and businesses in our community.
“This Conservative Government has provided unprecedented levels of support to protect jobs and businesses through the pandemic, and this latest support will be hugely important for helping Solihull to build back better after coronavirus.”
